Transfer Assist Blade Drive Train Actuator Profile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed printing systems, the transfer of toner particles from a photoconductive surface to a print substrate is often hindered by non-uniform contact, leading to print quality defects like transfer deletion, especially with non-flat substrates or those that have undergone heat or pressure fixing, and existing solutions require multiple drive trains to accommodate varying print parameters, increasing complexity and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A TAB mechanism with a single drive train is modified by a controller that selects an actuator profile based on print job parameters, using pulse trains to adjust the timing and pressure of the transfer assist blade to ensure consistent and optimal contact with the substrate, avoiding contact with the photoconductive member during inter-document zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive trains are used to accommodate varying print parameters, then adaptability to different print conditions is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single drive train is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different actuator profiles. The drive train can switch between various actuator profiles (e.g., first profile for heat-set transfer, second profile for direct transfer) to handle different print parameters and substrate types, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated drive trains while maintaining adaptability across printing conditions
2Reliability
If the transfer assist blade applies constant pressure to the substrate, then transfer consistency is improved, but adaptability to different substrate types and print parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic pressure control where the drive train adjusts the actuator profile based on detected print parameters and substrate type. This allows the transfer assist blade to apply varying pressure levels - higher pressure for difficult-to-transfer substrates and lower pressure for sensitive materials - thereby maintaining both transfer consistency and adaptability across different printing conditions
3Reliability
If the transfer assist blade contacts the photoconductive member during inter-document zones, then complete toner transfer is improved, but photoconductive member damage and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the substrate leading edge position and uses this information to control the drive train timing. The transfer assist blade is activated only when a substrate is detected in the transfer zone, and deactivated during inter-document zones when no substrate is present. This preliminary detection and timed activation ensures complete toner transfer when needed while preventing contact with the photoconductive member during idle periods, avoiding contamination and damage
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables consistent and efficient transfer of toner images across a wide range of print parameters without the need for multiple drive trains, improving print quality and reducing maintenance by precisely controlling the TAB's movement and pressure application.
Implementation Method 1
The controller transmits a plurality of pulse trains to the actuator with reference to the waveform of the selected actuator profile to rotate an output shaft of the actuator to operate the drive train and move the member
Implementation Method 2
A mechanism supporting the TAB is operable to press the TAB against the substrate with a pre-determined force sufficient to press the copy substrate into contact with the developed image on the photoconductive or other charged imaging surface
Implementation Method 3
The reverse side of the print sheet is exposed to a corona discharge while the front of the print sheet is placed in direct contact with the developed toner image on the photoconductive surface. The corona discharge generates ions having a polarity opposite that of the toner particles, thereby electrostatically attracting and transferring the toner particles
Implementation Method 4
a photoconductive member (or photoreceptor) is charged to a uniform potential and then a light image of an original document is exposed onto a photoconductive surface by a digital image driven laser. Exposing the charged photoreceptor to a light image discharges the photoconductive surface in areas corresponding to non-image areas in the original document while maintaining the charge on the image areas to produce an electrostatic latent image
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a controller that operates an actuator of a transfer assist blade (TAB) mechanism with reference to an actuator profile. The actuator profile identifies an actuator waveform and a plurality of pulse trains for the actuator waveform. The actuator profile and the data associated with it are developed with reference to the drive train for the TAB mechanism. The actuator profiles enable the TAB mechanism drive train to achieve optimal operation over a wide range of media types, substrate speeds, pitch modes, and other print job parameters.